Ask anyone in Saudi when the best time for coffee is, and you’ll almost always get the same answer; anytime. And that answer alone says everything about the coffee culture in the city.
Coffee isn’t just tied to a specific hour of the day here, it’s woven into daily life. Beyond the morning caffeine kick, coffee has become a language of its own in the Kingdom. It represents hospitality, connection and a genuine glimpse into Saudi culture and warmth, all deeply rooted in the coffee culture in the city.
More Than Just a Morning Cup
Over the years, the way people enjoy coffee has evolved. Traditional Saudi ‘Qahwa’ remains the heart of gatherings, a staple that carries heritage and meaning. But, alongside it, a new wave of specialty coffee has redefined the scene. This shift hasn’t replaced tradition, it has expanded it, introducing new flavors, brewing styles, and creative experiences. Today, coffee in cities like Jeddah has become a lifestyle, a craft and a space where community and passion meet, further shaping the coffee culture in the Kingdom. One thing is clear: Saudis take their coffee seriously.
To explore this journey and what it truly represents for the community, we spoke to four well-known cafe founders who are easily at the forefront of this shift within the coffee culture in the city. Their cafes have become some of the city’s most talked-about coffee spots, each with a story rooted in craft and personal connection to what coffee means in Saudi today.
GOOD HOOD
Co-founded by Majed AlMarzouki
Good Hood began at a gathering, where two relatives envisioned a cafe for readers, blending books, coffee and atmosphere into a community-driven space. Co-founder Majed AlMarzouki, inspired by a conversation at a family gathering, envisioned a café that combined a love for books, music, and community. Today, Good Hood is a place that connects people, sparks creativity, and offers a cozy, neighborhood café experience for friends and family to enjoy.
Here, coffee is more than a drink, it’s a way to share hospitality and experiences. The café serves everything from classics to specialty brews, with decaf and alternative milk options to suit everyone. As for his personal preference, Majed keeps it simple with a black coffee or a matcha, yet every cup reflects the café’s dedication to quality, care, and its signature blends. From Saudi beans to creative drinks like the cardamom latte, Good Hood balances tradition and innovation, mirroring the coffee culture in the city.
“Coffee is our way of bringing people together and building a close knit community.”
Instagram: @locals_cafe.sa
LOCALS CAFE
Founded by Hadeel and Ahmad
Ahmad, Hadeel and sons founded Locals Café as a family-owned space where coffee meets connection. For them, coffee began as a simple caffeine fix but quickly evolved into a ritual and social lifeline, a moment to pause and savor. Their family-owned café reflects this philosophy: it’s not just about the coffee but the experience, with a cozy, inviting atmosphere that encourages you to stay, read, work, or catch up with friends.
In Jeddah, where coffee is enjoyed anytime, Locals offers a menu rooted in quality and authenticity, with high-grade beans prepared using tried-and-true methods. Their approach balances tradition with modernity, staying true to classic techniques. From flat whites to freshly made sandwiches and classic desserts, every offering speaks to their commitment to craft and care, embodying the everyday coffee culture in the city.
“We’re all about good coffee, good vibes, and keeping it real.”
Instagram: @goodhood.sa
MINAA COFFEE
Owned by Mohammed Jojo
Mohammed Jojo’s passion for coffee began 15 years ago when he stumbled upon a video of latte art that felt like pure magic. What started as curiosity turned into mastery, he later won the Saudi Latte Art Championship and multiple titles in coffee preparation. While studying Islamic Architecture and Traditional Handicrafts in Al-Balad, he felt inspired to revive the “craft” of coffee in a place that reflected Jeddah’s soul.
That’s how Minaa was born, named for its closeness to the port, envisioned as a meeting point for people arriving in the heart of the city, where culture, storytelling, and coffee come together. For Jojo, Saudi coffee culture is world-class, rooted in authenticity, quality, and a spirit of excellence. At Minaa, coffee is treated like cooking: the “breath,” intention, and care behind every step is tasted in the cup, the roast, and the hospitality. Their signature Blend Al-Balad, a mix of Brazilian and Ethiopian beans, mirrors Jeddah’s multicultural identity and the depth of the coffee culture in the city.
Jojo’s personal order is a single-shot espresso or a fruity black coffee, and if Jeddah were a drink, he says it would be an espresso, versatile, full of character, and rich with stories to tell. His belief is simple: to truly understand Saudi coffee culture, you must experience it firsthand, because understanding begins with the first sip.
“At Minaa, your cup is made with skill, warmth, and a lot of heart.”
Instagram: @minaacoffee
Still in Jeddah?
Nothing beats exploring the streets and culture of Jeddah, and this is your sign to experience the city after dark, whether it’s hopping between food trucks or getting to know what the city’s coolest creatives love to eat.
